U.S. House Passes Measure Calling On Germany To Increase Holocaust Restitution

The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed a resolution calling on Germany to increase restitution support for Holocaust survivors.

The resolution, sponsored by U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), will “fulfill its moral responsibility to Holocaust survivors and urgently provide the financial resources necessary to ensure that Survivors live in dignity and comfort in their remaining years,” according to a description of the resolution, whichpassed with 363-0.

“Today, the House once again demonstrated its commitment to achieving justice for all Holocaust survivors in overwhelmingly passing the resolution Ted and I introduced, urging Germany to honor its obligations to Holocaust survivors,” Ros-Lehtinen said after the resolution passed.

“It’s been over 71 years since the end of World War II, and even though they’ve lived through the unspeakable atrocities at the hands of the Nazis, Holocaust survivors today continue to face lingering injustices. It would be a travesty if humanity once again failed these individuals by ignoring their plight,” she said.

Deutch said, “Holocaust survivors are not receiving the care that they need. For decades, the German government has been committed to responding to survivor needs, but the survivor community is aging and their needs are greater….While no amount of money can erase the horrors of Holocaust victims, there is a moral responsibility to fulfill all the needs so that they can live out the rest of their lives with dignity.”